Subaru has revealed its new Legacy at the Chicago Auto Show in the United States, giving the seventh-generation sedan the option of a turbocharged engine for the first time since 2012.

Built on a stiffened version of the latest Subaru Global Platform, the US-spec Legacy will be available in as many as six trim levels, with the flagship variants fitted with a turbocharged 2,4-litre, four-cylinder boxer engine worth 194 kW (at 5 600 r/min) and 376 N.m (between 2 000 and 4 800 r/min). The result, according to Subaru, is a zero to 60 mph (97/ km/h) time of an “estimated 6,1 seconds”.

Other models will employ a “thoroughly revised” version of the brand’s familiar naturally aspirated 2,5-litre, four-cylinder boxer unit, now churning out 136 kW and 239 N.m.

And transmissions? Well, all new Legacy derivatives feature a Lineartronic continuously variable transmission, linked to the brand’s signature symmetrical all-wheel drive system. The Japanese firm’s EyeSight driver assistance technology also ships standard, complete with a new lane-centring function that’s active when adaptive cruise control is in use.

Inside the flagship US-spec models, you’ll find a new tablet-like, portrait-oriented 11,6-inch full HD multimedia display, framed by a fresh multilayer instrument panel featuring a soft-touch wrapped surface. Items such as seat heaters and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system will also be available.

Subaru Southern Africa says it has “yet to decide on the local introduction of this model”.

Ryan has spent most of his career in online media, writing about everything from sport to politics and other forms of crime. But his true passion – reignited by a 1971 Austin Mini Mk3 still tucked lifeless in a dark corner of his garage – is of the automotive variety.